# endurance

/ˈɛndɝəns/ (US) · /ɛndjˈɔːɹəns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/endurance
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. stamina

noun · CEFR B2

the ability to keep doing something difficult or painful for a long time.

For teachers: the capacity of an individual to sustain a physical or mental effort over a prolonged period.

- Running a marathon requires incredible physical endurance and a strong mind.
- The athletes underwent rigorous testing to measure their muscular endurance before the start of the competitive season.

### 2. patience or tolerance

noun · CEFR B2

the power to deal with a difficult situation without giving up.

For teachers: the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; often used in the context of emotional or psychological resilience.

- The long delay at the airport tested the endurance of all the passengers.
- The negotiator's endurance was tested by hours of circular arguments and increasingly hostile demands from the opposing side.

### 3. operational range

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the amount of time a ship or plane can travel before it runs out of fuel or food.

For teachers: the maximum period or distance a vessel, aircraft, or vehicle can operate without being resupplied.

- The ship has an endurance of thirty days at sea before it needs more food.
- Engineers focused on improving the battery's endurance to ensure the drone could complete its surveillance mission without returning to base.

Usage: Often used in military or nautical contexts regarding fuel or rations.

## Examples

- Running a marathon requires great physical endurance.
- The arctic explorers showed incredible endurance as they trekked across the ice for three months in freezing temperatures.
- While the vessel's structural endurance was tested by the heavy pack ice, the crew's psychological resilience proved to be the more critical factor in their ultimate survival.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.